Clamp



June 11, 1929. v RlESELL 1,716,887

CLAMP Filed Sept. 26, 1928 J j fan/MW I fi'a/erm/f 6 77666 Patented June 11, 1929.

UNITED STATES FREDERICK GRIESELL, OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN.

CLAMP.

Application filed September 26, 1928.

This invention relates to clamps.

Objects of this invention are to provide a quickly detachable and adjustable clamp which is so constructed that cam means are provided for withdrawing a portion of a split nut to release the screw and allow it to be either adjusted into rough approximate position or else to be moved outwardly to release the work.

More specifically, objects of this invention are to provide a novel form of quickly releasable clamp in which a thumb operated or hand lever is provided with cam means not only for retracting one half of the split nut but also for locking the split nut in active position, such thumb lever being held in looking position by means of a spring.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of the clamp;

Figure 2 is a sectional view through the upper portion of the clamp;

Figure 3 is a plan view partly in section, such view corresponding approximately to the section on the line 33 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view through the upper portion of the clamp with parts broken away to more clearly show the construction.

Referringto the drawings, it will be seen that the clamp comprises a 'U-shaped body portion 1 provided with a rigid clamping foot 2 and with a threaded screw or spindle 3, such latter member being provided with the manipulating hand wheel or ears 4, as indicated in Figure 1. The upper portion of the body of the clamp is provided with an aperture 5 therethrough and is preferably thickened. This upper portion is also provided with a transversely extending aperture, preferably of rectangular cross section, as indicated by the reference character 6 in Figure 4. Vithin this aperture one half of a split nut 7 is rigidly secured as, for example, by means of a pin 8. The other half of the split nut is indicated by the reference character 9 and is slidable. Both halves of the split nut are threaded and engage the threaded spindle or screw 3. It is to be noted also that the head of the body portion, as indicated by the reference character 10, may have one-half of the aperture 5 provided with threads, as shown in Figure 4. However, the members 7 and 9 are hardened to provide wear resisting threaded parts.

Serial No. 308,540.

The member 9 carries a transversely extending pin 11 which fits within a cam slot 12. This cam slot 12 is formed in the side members 13 of a hand lever or thumb lever 14 pivotally carried by means of a lug 15 integral with the body portion 1. In reality, the body portion is webbed in the usual manner and the lug 15 constitutes a thickened part of the web. It is to be noted also that the body portion is provided with an aperture 16 through its web through which a. coiled spring 17 is passed. The ends of the spring, as may be seen from 'Figure 2, are hooked into apertures'formed in the side members 13 of the rocking lever or cam lever 14.

The cam slot 12 is so constructed that the upper portion thereof is concentric with the pivot point or. pin 18 about which the lever 14 rocks. The are 19, shown in Figure 4, is drawn concentric with the pin 18, and it will be seen that the upper portion of the slot has its center line lying upon such are. However, the lower portion of the slot is spaced inwardly towards the center of the pin 18, so that when the lever 14 is rocked downwardly the slotswill draw the pin 11 inwardly towards the pin 18 and, consequently, will retract the member 9 of the split nut.

In using the device all that is necessary is to press the lever 14 downwardly against the action of the spring and slide the screw 3 inwardly until its swivelled end 20 clamps the work against the foot 2 of the body portion. Thereafter the lever is released, thus permitting the inward sliding of the portion 9 of the split nut and the locking of the screw between the two members 7 and 9 of such split nut. tightened in the usual manner.

lVhen it is desired to slide the screw rearwardly, it is merely necessary to press downwardly on the lever and pull the screw out away from the work.

It will be seen from the above description that a Very simple type of quickly releasable clamp has been provided by this in vention, and it will be seen further that readily accessible operating means for controlling the split nut are afforded.

Further, it will be seen that the cam slot is so formed that when the pin 11 rests in its upper portion that the movable half of the split nut is locked against shifting motion.

The screw may now be Further, it will be seen that the rectangular aperture 6 through which the movable portion of the split nut slides, prevents any turning or shifting of such movable portion and, consequently, the threads thereon will properly align and form a continuation of the threads on the stationary member 7.

It will be seen further that the device is of sturdy and reliable construction and is foolproof.

Although the invention has been described in considerable detail, such description is intended as illustrative rather than limiting as the invention may be variously embodied and as the scope of such invention is to be determined as claimed.

I claim: 7 1. A releasable clamp comprising a body portion having a bearing foot and having a head provided with an aperture there through, said aperture having one face thereof threaded, a movable half nut member slidably carried by said head and transversely slidable with reference thereto, a. control lever pivoted to said bodyportion and having a cam slot formed therein, a projecting member carried by said movable half nut member and engaging said cam slot, whereby such movable member may be retracted by operating said lever, a screw cooperating with said movable half nut member, and a spring for normally holding said 1 lever in nut locking position.

2. A releasable clamp comprising a U- shaped body portion having a bearing stationary foot and having head provided with an aperture therethrough, said head having a stationary half, nut section and having a movable half nut section adapted to transversely slide in said head, a screw normally engaged by said half nut sections, said movable section having projecting pins, a lever pivoted to said body portion and havfianges provided with cam slots for engaging said pins, :said cam slots having a portion thereof gradually curving inwardly towards the axis about which said lever pivots and having a locking portion formed on an arc concentric with the pivot point of said lever, and a spring for holding said lever in nut locking position.

3. A releasable clamp comprising a U- shaped body portion having a bearing stationary foot and having a head provided with an aperture therethrough, said head having a stationary half nut section and having a movable half nut section adapted to transversely'slide in said head, a screw normally engaged by'said half nut sections, said movable'section having projecting pins, a lever pivoted to said body portion and having. flanges provided with cam slots for engaging said pins, said cam slots having a portion thereof gradually curving inwardly towards the axis about which said lever pivots and having a locking portion formed on an arc concentric with the pivot point of said lever, and a spring for holding said lever in nut locking position, said half nut sections-being formed of hardened Wear resisting material.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand at :Milwaukee,

in the county of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin.

FREDERICK GRIESELL. 

